Personality and Employment

OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

Consent to Participate in a Research StudyPersonality and Employment

Introduction You are being asked to participate in a research study that is being done by researchers from Oakland University. This study is being done by Dr. Virgil Zeigler-Hill (Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology). The purpose of this consent form is to let you know more about the study so you can decide whether to participate in the study or not. Please read the form carefully. You may ask questions about why the research is being done, what you will be asked to do, the possible risks and benefits, your rights as a participant, and anything else about the research or this form that is not clear. You may talk with your friends and family about this research study before making your decision. When all your questions have been answered, you can decide if you want to be in this study. This process is called ‘informed consent.’ If you decide to participate, you will be asked to sign this form and will receive a copy of the form.

Why is this study being done?The purpose of this research study is to examine the connections between personality features and various outcomes (e.g., sexual objectification, psychological well-being) among individuals who are currently employed.

Who can participate in this study?You are being asked to participate in the study because you are employed and at least 18 years of age or older.

Who is sponsoring this study?None

Where is this study being done?This study is being conducted via a secure internet site (Surveymonkey.com).

What procedures are involved with this study?If you agree to take part in this research study, you will be asked to complete a series of questionnaires online via a secure website (i.e., Surveymonkey.com).

How long will participation in this study last?Your participation in this study will take approximately 1 hour. The principal investigator may stop your participation in this study at any time without your consent if it is discovered that you are providing inaccurate information.

How many people will be participating in this study?Approximately 800 individuals working in various occupations will be participating in this study.

What are the risks, side effects or discomforts that can be expected from participating in this study?By taking part in this study, you may be at risk for the following: • Answering some of the items may make you feel uncomfortable or distressed

To minimize the risk of discomfort, you may choose not to answer any items that are too uncomfortable for you. It is also important for you to remember that your participation is voluntary and that you can discontinue your participation at any point without any penalty. If you feel upset or distressed as a result of your participation in this study, you may want to consider contacting the Graham Health Center (248-370-2341), the School of Education and Human Services Counseling Services (248-370-2633), or Oakland Family Services in Rochester Hills (866-903-8955). It is important that you contact the principal researcher (Dr. Virgil Zeigler-Hill: zeiglerh@oakland.edu) if you are upset by your participation in the present study.

A breach of confidentiality is also a possible risk. It is possible that individuals not associated with this research my accidentally gain access to the personal information of participants. Appropriate safeguards are set in place to minimize a breach of confidentiality (e.g. researcher’s office is secure and password protected) but no researcher can ever guarantee that this sort of breach will not occur.

Are there any known benefits from taking part in this study?There are no direct benefits to you for participating in this study. However, the results of this study may benefit others in the future.

What are the alternatives to participation in this study?You may choose not to participate in this study.

What are the costs of taking part in the study?There is no cost to you for participating in this study.

What compensation is being provided for participation?Oakland University students will receive 1 research participation credit in exchange for participation in this study. Other individuals who complete this study will not be compensated for their participation.

What are your rights if you participate in this study?Your decision to participate in this study is voluntary. You may choose to leave the study at any time, or refuse to answer any questions that may be asked during the study. You will not lose any benefits to which you are otherwise entitled and your decision will not affect your present or future relationship with Oakland University, the researcher, the psychology department. If you are a student or employee at Oakland University, your decision about participation will not affect your grades or employment status.

What will be done to keep my information confidential?Every effort will be made to keep your study-related information confidential. . Also, no identifying information of any kind will be collected.

Personal information regarding your participation in this study may be disclosed if required by law. Also, your research records may be reviewed by the following groups:• Regulatory authorities involved in the oversight of research (Office for Human Research Protections or other federal, state, or international regulatory agencies)• Members or representatives of Oakland University Institutional Review Board (IRB) (in order to ensure that your rights as a research participant are being protected);

When study results are presented at professional conferences or published in professional journals, your name will not be used.

What do you do if you have questions about the study?For questions about the study you may contact Dr. Virgil Zeigler-HillPhone: (248) 370-2676Email: zeiglerh@oakland.eduOffice: 212A Pryale Hall, Oakland University

For questions regarding your rights as a participant in human subjects research, you may contact the Oakland University Institutional Review Board, 248-370-2762.

Signing the consent formYou have read (or someone has read to you) this form. You are aware that you are being asked to participate in a research study, and you understand the possible risks and potential benefits. You have had the chance to ask questions and have had them answered to your satisfaction. You voluntarily agree to participate in this study.

You are not giving up any rights by signing this consent form. You will be given the opportunity to print a copy of this form.

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Before you begin, please type your full name. This will serve as your "electronic signature" that you agree to participate in this study.